The FFA Horse Judging Career Development Event (CDE) offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the world of equine science and animal evaluation. This contest challenges participants to assess and rank horses based on breed standards, conformation, and performance abilities. It’s a comprehensive test that also includes problem-solving related to equine management, nutrition, and production, along with delivering persuasive oral reasoning for your judgments. Think of it as your starting block in the broader field of Jr. Wildlife Ffa Study Guide applications, where understanding animal characteristics and needs is paramount, even if here we’re focusing on horses!
| Career Paths in Equine Science | FFA Career Clusters |
|---|---|
| – Horse Trainer, Ranch Manager, Artificial Breeding Technician (Agricultural & Forestry Production) – Equine Sales, Horse Buyer (Marketing, Merchandising, & Sales) – Equine Veterinarian, Nutritionist, Dentist (Science & Engineering) – Post-Secondary Educator (Education & Communication) | – Agricultural and Forestry Production – Management and Financial Specialties – Marketing, Merchandising and Sales Careers – Science and Engineering – Social Services – Education and Communication |
| Key Resources & Partners | Strategic FFA Partnerships |
| Documents, Links, & Resources: | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture & PA FFA Association  PA FFA Logo |
Event Overview and Essential Information
Event Leadership: Contact Mark Anderson at [email protected] or 717-575-7217 for any inquiries.
Crucial Dates & Times:
- Tuesday Events: Begin at 1:00 PM (Buses depart at 12:45 PM)
- Wednesday Events: Start at 8:00 AM (Buses depart at 7:30 AM)
- Location: Ag Arena
- Review Session: 15-20 minutes post final reasons on Wednesday (typically 1:30-2:00 PM)
- Review Location: Ag Arena
- Dress Code: Official FFA Dress is required for both days. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
Participation: Individuals and Teams of 4 are welcome, with all team member scores contributing to the team total.
Required Materials:
- Individual Participants: Two #2 pencils, notebook paper or portfolio for class notes.
- Group Materials: Same as individual requirements for each member.
Pre-Contest Preparation: Thoroughly review the CDE guidelines, ensure appropriate dress, and study all contest components.
Grounds for Disqualification: Any form of cheating, communication during exams or judging, or the use of electronic devices will lead to disqualification.
Tie-Breaking Protocol: Ties are broken in the following order: Written Exam score, Halter Class #1 ranking, Performance Class #1 ranking, Halter Class #2 ranking, Performance Class #2 ranking.
Study Resources: Resources include but are not limited to:
- 4-H Horse Judging Guide. PSU, College of Agriculture Extension Service, University Park, PA.
- Horses and Horsemanship. Ensminger, M. E. Interstate Printers and Publishers.
- Equine Science 2nd Edition, Parker, Rick. Delmar Publishers.
- Materials from breed associations like American Quarter Horse Association (Amarillo, TX), American Paint Horse Association (Fort Worth, TX), and other relevant breed organizations.
Key Contest Components Breakdown
| CDE Component | Points Possible | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | 50 points | A 50-question multiple-choice exam covering general equine knowledge. |
| Judging Classes (5-6) | 50 points per class | Evaluation and ranking of 3-4 Halter classes and 2 Performance classes. |
| Oral Reasons (2 sets) | 50 points per set | Delivering two sets of oral reasons: one for a Halter class and one for a Performance class. |
| Team Event Scenario | 100 points | Collaborative problem-solving as a team, followed by a presentation of results to judges. Scenarios can range from marketing and current industry trends to animal welfare, first aid, nutrition, anatomy, and farm management. |
Prepare diligently using the resources provided, understand each component thoroughly, and you’ll be well-equipped to excel in the FFA Horse Judging CDE. Good luck!
